Soul Shepherding

A Better Year Ahead?

A Soul Shepherding Moment

We all want 2012 to be better than 2011 — even if last year was a great year. How does that happen?

Not by having better circumstances. (They always go up and down.)

Not by keeping a typical New Years’ Resolution. (They don’t deal with personal character and besides they fizzle out by February.)

Not by making no resolutions. (It’s a good and necessary thing for all of us to resolve to be and do better, as long we’re inspired by God’s wisdom and relying on his strength.)

Not by following the typical Christian advice: “Three Steps to a Blessed Life” or [...]

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Sit Down

Soul Shepherding Moments

God says to us, “Sit down,” but a lot of us have trouble doing this!

It’s especially difficult for those of us who are leaders, pastors, or care-givers. We race ahead to get things done. We stand up to take charge or to help people. But we don’t like to sit down and wait! We’re not good at listening patiently.

It’s hard for active personalities to believe, but we’ll accomplish more of what’s really important if we first sit down before the Lord—delighting ourselves in him, waiting to see what he’s doing, listening to what he’s saying, and depending on him as we [...]

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Gasping for Air

With Ray Ortlund Sr. in 2004

Much of who I am comes from my spiritual mentors. The same is true for you. The men or women who you have looked to as Christ’s Ambassadors are used by God to shape you and your ministry to others (2 Corinthians 5:20). Nurturing those relationships and memories is vital.

Ray Ortlund, Sr. was a wonderful spiritual father and soul guide to me. He discipled me to Jesus and God used him to raise me up to start the ministry of Soul Shepherding.

I especially remember Ray looking me in the eyes as we were talking over lunch one day: [...]

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Less is More

Every pastor, leader, and caregiver tries to do too much. Lord, help us not to make this mistake!

For us and the people around us

it’s the source of much anxiety and conflict — also pride, envy, and feeling inadequate.

Our main job is to remember that Jesus is the Leader.

So make space for yourself and those with you to listen.

Jesus is speaking in

Scripture, quiet moments, heart-to-heart conversations, flowers and butterflies, hugs, and laughter.

Keep praying:

“More of Jesus… Less of me.”

The Risen Christ is in our Midst

So often I’ve tried to do more for [...]

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Living Supernaturally

What are you missing out on?

I was restless and discouraged so I turned to some words by Ray Ortlund, my spiritual father. O how they blessed my soul! I believe they’ll give you a lift too. But first, let me explain.

Every day has much of the mundane it. If we’re not careful the chores and maintenance of life can suck us into a void of meaninglessness.

Every day also brings forth desires for things that would make us feel good and worries about what might make us feel bad. If we’re not careful our emotions lead us into unhealthy [...]

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Hurry to Spill Mercy

Usually its better to slow down!

I was coming down the stairs this morning with my arms full and heading out to an appointment that I was going to be late for when I spilled my cup full of cereal all down the stairs and across the entry! This is a parable…

Most pastors and leaders that my wife Kristi and I minister to have the same problem I had this morning – they’re carrying too much and they’re moving too fast. They’re under tremendous stress and have difficulty making time for the intimacy with Jesus that they crave and that [...]

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A Prayer for When You Minister to Others

Many people after they put themselves out to minister to others feel self-doubt. Pastors may wonder if they preached a good sermon. Small group leaders may question their effectiveness. Counselors feel might feel unsure they said the right thing. Anyone who serves others is likely to ask: “Did I make a difference?”

In order to feel adequate in our ministry to others most of us try too hard. We rely more on our own wisdom and strength than on the Holy Spirit. We try to please people and base our identity on what they think of us. What exhaustion and distress this causes [...]

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